The Lay Apostolate: Focal Ministry
1.1 What is a Focal Minister?
A Focal Minister is a lay or ordained leader called out from within the local community who provides local leadership and a regular, visible presence for a single church community, within the context of a multi-parish benefice, under the authority of an Incumbent who gives oversight. They are given a Mandate from the Bishop for this role
1.2 What is the Focal Ministry pathway?
The Focal Ministry Pathway provides training and support for individuals to take a share in the responsibility for leading a single church within a multi-parish benefice, under the overall oversight and authority of the Incumbent. Their specific responsibilities are based on the parish context and by their own experience and training, with the details agreed collaboratively between the Focal Minister and Incumbent, and signed off by the Head of Apostolic Life.